Resources

Agricultural Pesticides and Bees

Honey bees can come into direct contact with pesticides through wind drifting of sprayed
or dusted products. They are also exposed to pesticides in the form of residues on
blooming crops and weeds, and in contaminated water sources.

Because honey bees routinely fly several miles from the hive to visit flowers, bee
protection is the responsibility of all agricultural producers, regardless of property
boundaries.

Reducing hazards for beekeepers

Get insect or weed problems properly identified before proceeding with spraying –
this can save you money by minimizing the quantity of pesticide you use, and can prevent
pointless product applications.

Although you may not have bees yourself, be aware of neighboring apiaries and communicate
clearly with the owners whenever you make a pesticide application. Bees routinely
fly over a radius of three miles for flowers.

Apply pesticides before crops and weeds bloom whenever possible.

Spray in the early morning or late evening when bees are less active.

Beware of spray drift during windy conditions, and avoid dusts when possible as they
carry a long ways under very low-wind conditions.

Beekeepers can site their apiaries for low pesticide risk, by considering predominant
wind direction and proximity to routinely treated areas.

Beekeepers should move their bees if needed, at least three miles away from original
site to prevent bees from returning there.